You pointed across your father's shoulder, Like you'd finally solved the crime, "SHE is the common denominator!" A verdict handed down that night. And maybe you expected silence, Maybe shame to prove you right— But I've had time to think about it. So let's look at my whole life. Yes, I've had some broken friendships, I've had people walk away. I've had doors I finally closed myself When there was nothing left to save. I've made mistakes, I've missed things too, Some relationships became weak and lean— But if I'm the common denominator, Let's be honest about what that means. I gave too much, I stayed too long, Kept trying when the trying hurt. Bent myself to keep the peace, Put everybody else's feelings first. I forgave until forgiveness Started costing me myself. Then quietly I drew a line And chose to save what still was left. So yes, I'm the common denominator— I was there each time it's true. But maybe the pattern wasn't the conflict. Maybe it was what I'd let them do. I didn't burn the bridge behind me Didn't curse them from the door. Didn't gather up their weakest places Just to wound them even more. I didn't need to make them worthless So that walking felt okay. I simply said, This isn't healthy. Then I turned and walked away. And some of those roads circled backward, Some old friendships started new. Because bridges left unburned can carry People back when hearts are ready to. Some paths may never cross again; That's a truth I've learned to face. But I don't have to hate somebody Just because I need my space. I gave too much, I stayed too long, Kept trying when the trying hurt. Bent myself to keep the peace, Put everybody else's feelings first. I forgave until forgiveness Started costing me myself. Then quietly I drew a line And chose to save what still was left. So yes, I'm the common denominator— I was there each time it's true. But maybe the pattern wasn't conflict. Maybe it was what I'd let them do. And aren't we all the common thread In every story that we tell? Every friendship that went beautifully, Every one that didn't end so well? Your name is written through your stories. Mine is written through mine too. Being there for every ending Doesn't tell us who hurt who. But I know how I have left things. And I know what happened here. There is leaving with a boundary— And there's leaving someone bleeding While you disappear. So call me the common denominator. I won't flinch from it today. I loved too hard, forgave too often, Stayed too long along the way. And when I finally reached my limit, I didn't need to make you small. I didn't choose to crush your spirit Just to justify it all. Yes, I'm the common denominator. And here's the pattern I can see: I kept choosing everybody else Until I finally chose me. So if you need a common denominator, You can write my name right there. But tell the whole equation. I was there.
